Reigning Sound

Before starting Reigning Sound in 2001, Memphis native Greg Cartwright had become known as a garage-rock classicist for his work with his earlier bands in the 1990s, the Compulsive Gamblers and the Oblivians.

The early years of Reigning Sound fit this hard-rocking pattern, with the band’s previous albums including the aptly titled 2004 outing, “Too Much Guitar.”

“Shattered” continues the band’s recent move to operate with a broader palette of sounds that began with its work backing former Shangri-Las lead singer Mary Weiss on her excellent 2007 “Dangerous Game” album.

Garage-influenced rockers such as the wigged-out, fuzz-guitar-laden “North Cackalacky Girl” and the early Van Morrison influences on “My My” still come easily, but there’s more.

“Falling Rain” sports one of Cartwright’s best melodies, set to a warm folk rock backing, while “You Did Wrong” sounds like a long-lost 1960s teen band B-side, all reverbed guitar, echoed backing vocals and atmospheric organ.

The influence of vintage 1960s soul music becomes more pronounced halfway through the album.

“I’m Trying (to Be the Man You Need)” may be the album’s most overtly soul-influenced track. The appealing ballad would have been a great fit for James Carr, Percy Sledge or Solomon Burke in their prime.

In lesser hands, the juggling of styles on “Shattered” might have come off as jarring or confused, but thanks to Cartwright’s excellent songs and Reigning Sound’s fluency in a variety of musical styles, it all works.